RALEIGH, (SGRToday.com) - Todd Poole is leaving his post as executive director of the North Carolina Republican Party, he announced Monday.

Poole has led the operations of the party for more than two years. He will leave at the end of the month.

Poole's resignation comes as a new chairman has taken control of the party. Hasan Harnett was elected chairman earlier this year in a surprise win over a candidated endorsed by party leaders.

Poole said in his statement that he is proud of his work but feels it is time to "turn over the reins to someone new with plenty of lead time before the next election."